12 Great Ideas for Organization in the Kitchen

There's a term in French cooking called "mise en place" that translates literally as "putting in place." The Culinary Institute of America has defined it as "everything in place" and it refers to…

How to choose summer kitchen amenities

Now that the weather is getting nicer, all ideas of outdoor leisure home activities come flooding back to your mind. From playing out in the yard with the kids, to enjoying neighbors over for a…

What, exactly, IS composite decking?

Composite decking, not unlike laminate flooring, has evolved greatly since it became a mainstream building material. Once considered something of an also-ran by early detractors, and compared…

Plan of the Week – “Single-level, bi-generational”

www.DrummondHousePlans.com - Plan # 3043 Following the increasing demand for houses that allow semi-independent living of multiple generations, Drummond is happy to offer this model which is ideal…

EnerGuide Rating for New Homes

There are a number of different construction standards for low energy and/or green homes in Canada. Depending on the region of Canada you are in, you may be familiar with one or more of the following…

Decor: High-style, low maintenance indoor gardens

If you are tired of the traditional approach to indoor plants, you may want to draw on the inspiration of Shane Powers. He developed a new selection of beautiful and self-sufficient planters which…

Bunk room blast – a great kid space

Thanks to Twitter and Facebook, I sometimes have too much exposure to great ideas. Effective use of space is always a challenge so when I came across this blog post from August Fields it was a given…

Plan of the Week – “Dual Master Suites”

www.DrummondHousePlans.com - Plan # 3832 This generous 2992 sq. ft. layout is all about comfort and sharing. Of the 4 bedrooms, two are master suites with private baths. With the trend toward…

Energy Efficient New Homes – Grants and Incentives

Currently, although Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) does not offer incentives to new home buyers or new home builders, NRCan manages the EnerGuide Rating System, ENERGY STAR® for New Homes, and…

Earth Hour – A one-night stand or new mindset?

WWF-Canada Earth Hour Earth Hour started in 2007 in Sydney, Australia when 2.2 million individuals and more than 2,000 businesses turned their lights off for one hour to take a stand against climate…

The Pyramid of New Water Sources

Today is World Water Day and it just so happens that Jerry Yudelson, noted green building authority and author, has released a new conceptual tool to help people understand where water will come from…

Decor: Green Brings a Room to Life

On St. Patrick's Day, it truly is all about green! And what a great color when used in interiors, one that is equally at home in modern spaces as it is traditional rooms, with the ability to bring a…

Terminology Primer – Heating, Ventilation and Cooling (HVAC)

Have you ever noticed that when it comes to heating, ventilation and cooling discussions, you feel like there is another language being spoken? As with most areas of specialty, this is the case! The…

Amazing Ways with Concrete Countertops

See What Designers Are Doing With This Versatile, Weatherproof Counter Alternative Concrete may not be the first material you think of for your countertop, but take note: Designers are doing some…

Building a Deck: 4 Decking Essentials

When considering building a deck, there are many variables that need to be evaluated. Some considerations that need to be decided on include where the deck will be placed, and its use and the size…

Canadian tax implications of cross-border real estate shopping

It's hard to resist the temptation of an excellent bargain. With that being said, their are implications beyond the pricetag. A recent article in the Globe and Mail scratches the surface of what…

Advantages of a smaller house

We live in more space than we need. We’ve got media rooms, master suites, walk-in closets that can be mistaken for bedrooms, and extra living and dining areas. I grew up in a house with formal…

Home renovation tips for empty nesters

The kids have moved out, and there is a noticeable amount of extra space in the house. Walls that were once covered with movie posters are left bare, and the all too familiar sound of the stereo…

Dog-centric design ideas

Houzz contributor, Lily Gahagan has put together a clever collection of ideas and just plain cute images of pets in home designs. Next to our homes, many of us really love our pets. This image…

Plan of the Week – “Peregrine’s view”

www.DrummondHousePlans - Plan # 4196-V1 Sloping lots present not only challenges, but opportunities as well! Capture the views with this basement entry home! The basement proposes a home office with…